Property auctioneer Scott Gray, who has appeared on BBC's Homes Under the Hammer, writes for the Journal

Exmouth Journal: Exmouth auctioneer Scott GrayExmouth auctioneer Scott Gray (Image: Scott Gray)

Following a long Easter weekend, the early May bank holiday and with the Queens Platinum
Jubilee weekend not far off, spring is here and the weather is warming up.

As gardens come into their prime, our spring cleaned homes are looking at their best. Historically the busiest time of year for agents up and down the country – how is the Spring 2022 market looking in the South West?

At the start of the year, we saw low supply and a lack of new properties to the market
continuing to cause prospective vendors to hold off marketing their properties for fear of
not finding an onward purchase.

With global issues, the rise in the cost of living and increase in mortgage rates this also looked set to delay the kick start of confidence needed to help potential sellers think about a move.

As we move through Spring we are now entering a period where we are seeing an increase
of properties come to the market and confidence in buyers and sellers starting to pick up.

Rightmove recently reported on the current fast moving market and continued high prices,
but they also balance out their findings that more homes are now becoming available for
prospective purchasers.

With an increased supply starting to catch up and fulfil the buyer demand the market should
become more balanced and grow market confidence further.

If you have been thinking of a move and the fast pace and high prices have been putting you off now would be a good time to get your home ready and book a valuation with your local agent as the balance starts to tip.

My auction business has seen a variety of new Lots come to the market with available

Lots ranging from countryside homes, coastal property and development land all located within the South West.

With other West Country agents reporting a rise in stock maybe its time for a refreshed look at the major property portals to see what is available now in your desired search area?

As always if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.